Celestial celebrations

Very early in my wife’s freshman year of college, her roommate entered the room very upset.  She had lost a contact lens outside.  With a strong penchant for helping people, Peggy said, “Let’s go look for it.”  Her roommate declined the offer – the thought being so preposterous – but upon further urging, she reluctantly agreed.  And Peggy quietly prayed, “Lord, please help us find her lens.  And if we don’t find it, at least let her know she's loved.” 

The lawn was vast, so Peggy asked, “About where were you when you lost your contact?”  In a tone of voice that suggested this is so ridiculous, her roommate said, “Right about here!”  Peggy bent down and separated two blades of grass.  “Is this it?” she asked, spying the glistening lens.  Her roommate bent down, eyes wide and mouth agape.  There it was!  She bent down and picked it up, hugged Peggy and jumped around a bit, for against all odds, the lost had been found! 

God searches intently, far and wide, for something much more valuable than a contact lens.  Us!  The people of his creation and redemption!  Some of us are easier to spot, I suspect, while others of us are improbably found in the most unusual circumstances of life.  But regardless of where we are when God reaches down and lifts us up, there is celebration in heaven.  Great celebration!  Unimaginable celebration!  Speaking as one who’d been there, Jesus said, “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). 

Have you entrusted your life to the saving power of Jesus Christ?  If so, there was celebration in the heavens over you!  Yes, you!  Individually, you!  Who knows ... maybe it’s still going on! 

So now we get to join God as he continues to look for his missing “lenses,” for he wills to shine his light into their soul as well.  And when God bends down and picks up the “one sinner who repents,” the angelic celebration over another redeemed treasure begins anew!  Hugging and jumping around in celestial proportions.

Lord, please lead us to those who do not know you.  Use us today in whatever capacity you will.  Open their eyes to behold your beauty.  Open their souls to know your love and salvation for them.  And may your angels celebrate new life this day. 

[Click here to see the daily reading in Luke 15:8-10.]